Is Starlink still the best choice for rural or remote internet? We discuss your options for internet in 2025

If you’re in a more rural or remote location, internet options can be scant even in 2025. Even in a state as populous as California there are still areas that do not have access to cable or fiber internet and the cost to establish it can be exorbitant. Your city may even have cable available but due to your own buildings location the cost burden of establishing the “last mile” connection (IE the one to your building directly) can be placed on the customer. This cost can be in the many thousands of dollars.

Aside from cable or fiber options, many rural or remote customers turn to DSL or 4G internet options which can get you online but may not have the bandwidth to facilitate adequate backups if you utilize a cloud solution.

This is where Starlink has had the edge, Starlink can get speeds comparable to cable (up to 220 Mbps) and business class customers receive priority support. The increased speeds and customer support does come at a cost, with their business plans starting at $165 per month and the kit that includes the satellite dish starting at $599.

Still, there are a lot of considerations when choosing an ISP (internet service provider) for your business. Below are the five main options for internet for your business:

1. Fixed Wireless Internet

• How it works: Internet is beamed from a tower to an antenna installed at the user’s location.
• Pros: Faster than satellite, low latency, suitable for video streaming and remote work.
• Cons: Requires line of sight to the tower; speed can vary by weather or terrain.
• Best for: Areas within range of a local wireless provider.

2. Satellite Internet (e.g., Starlink, HughesNet, Viasat)

• How it works: Internet is delivered via satellite to a dish on the user’s property.
• Pros: Available virtually anywhere; great for very remote areas.
• Cons: Higher latency (though Starlink is improving this), data caps, can be costly.
• Best for: Extremely rural or mountainous regions with no other infrastructure.

3. DSL (Digital Subscriber Line)

• How it works: Delivered via existing telephone lines.
• Pros: Widely available in older rural areas, affordable, no special equipment needed.
• Cons: Slower speeds than cable or fiber; signal weakens over distance.
• Best for: Areas with old telephone infrastructure but no cable/fiber.

4. Cellular Internet / Mobile Hotspots (e.g., Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile)

• How it works: Uses 4G/5G signals via a mobile device or dedicated hotspot.
• Pros: Portable, easy to set up, faster than satellite in strong coverage areas.
• Cons: Limited by data caps or throttling; reliant on cell signal strength.
• Best for: Users in areas with decent mobile coverage but no wired options.

5. Wired Cable Internet

• How it works: Internet is delivered through coaxial cable infrastructure, often alongside TV service.
• Pros: Fast and reliable with higher speeds than DSL or satellite; typically includes unlimited data.
• Cons: Availability is limited in rural areas; installation can be expensive if the infrastructure isn’t already present.
• Best for: Rural towns or neighborhoods where cable lines have already been laid or are close by.

If you need assistance in navigating internet service for your business or anything else in the technology space, reach out to Valley Techlogic for a consultation today.

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